Anyone around here ever thought of changing (or have they changed) the back light color or bulbs to say LED's of sorts? Yeah.. strange mod.. but i was thinking of something slightly brighter then the standard bulbs in there.. and maybe a BLUE LED back light vice the stock white (Something different) any thoughts?
Mine has a red back light...came that way.
Standard bulb type or LED? Mines stock speedo.. just looking to change it up thought to myself the other morning riding in that a blue back light would look killer with the bikes coloring (even red might not look bad) iNot looking to change speedo (yet) for funds are limited, just little subtle things to stand out on the bike (other then the paint that's already there hahaha.)
Ok I have only one light working in my speedo, there is 2 bulbs in there, and one has been burned out since I bought it, not a big deal, the trouble seems to be in the I.C. Igniter, a $200.00 part, but everything else is working fine just that one little bulb. so for now I am not going to worry about it.
But I like the idea of a different colour bulb in there, now have to find one....
The bulbs are just standard automotive bulbs. They have a colored lens over them.
is that picture for a 800 or a 1500?
This is for a 800.....
Electronic 1500...I would suspect the mechanical 1500 would be just the same as the 800
Correct they are just clear bulbs, what we are referring to.. is a blue or different hue LED bulb to back light the speedo itself. (even if you could find clear lenses colored bulbs for other lights) just for something different. Think it would look killer.
Would anyone have the normal (Car) part number for those bulbs for speedo? (interwebs failing me on a search) I know local O'Reilly can convert most things over, just in the search for an LED type.... Yes.. i'm set on this mission so far.. until something else shiny distracts me. :P
http://www.ronayers.com/FICHE-C22846.aspx the part #'s can be found here .
I was once told by an Old timer save this link in your favorites as it will be your friend to finding what ever part needed for reference etc for our drifters . True story ... I use it religiously 8)
Thanks Pastor dude ...... ;D ;) :)
You had Aiden save it to "your" favorites be cause we know you are not that computer quick........ 8)
Bikebandit.com is another wealth of diagrams and information, However, i'm looking for the "Normal" going to local auto part store PN. Gonna have to rip it apart one of these days and go Eyeball match it ;D Trying to track down the possibility of an LED replacement for these. If i find any here in the near future, i'll post part number for them.
I can't remember for sure, but I'm thinking they are normal 194 size wedge bulbs. I had mine apart to remove a thumbprint from the inside of the lens...no idea how it got there, but it was, so now it isn't!
It is the wedge type bulb , Troll . I just put everything back together this afternoon as I still had the bike torn apart for winter projects . Sorry milky I thought you were trying to cross reference the part # .
Ratman we all know I'm not computer savy , but I came alooonnnnggg way from when I first met some of my pals here on the forum ;D .... LOL ..... Now if I could only learn how to work the dam paint program so's I can get all fancy with the colored lines , arrows to point to objects when doing mods and so on ..... like a cool fella I know ;)
Quote from: Drift1 on March 16, 2014, 19:10:47 PM
It is the wedge type bulb , Troll . I just put everything back together this afternoon as I still had the bike torn apart for winter projects . Sorry milky I thought you were trying to cross reference the part # .
Ratman we all know I'm not computer savy , but I came alooonnnnggg way from when I first met some of my pals here on the forum ;D .... LOL ..... Now if I could only learn how to work the dam paint program so's I can get all fancy with the colored lines , arrows to point to objects when doing mods and so on ..... like a cool fella I know ;)
It's no worries, i found some wedge type 194's (Yellow and Red) trying to find blue.. (may get some reds and see how they look with stock gauge) Crazy idea that came to mind that spawned this whole thing... That's what I get for thinking again.
Looking forward to seeing the results ::)
Planning on tackling this in the next day or so.. How does the dash panel come off (or speedo) so i can reach the bulbs, I looked at Trip reset knob, no screw on end as in display above. (unless covered) If i can get this torn apart, may do this tonight (yes will get pics) Any tear down info would be helpful (planning on riding it rest of week due to nice weather!)
it is really simple to remove the dash. The three screws on the cover come out and you can access the quick disconnect of the dash idiot lights. the bottom screw will release the speedo houseing it just lifts off then, and there is a quick disconnect again to undo. Then a small phillips screw driver into the reset knob, and turn it out while holding the reset know. It is in there unlees it has been changed or modified by a PO. There is also 2/3 bolts that hold tha actuall speedo into the houseing, then the unit should just come loose and the bulds are simple pull out and bingo.
Think i will attempt this evening.. depending on how i feel after work. I know local parts store has some 194's in Yellow and Red.. so may nab them both and see what i think. Then order some other colors online.
now you have me wanting to go and look for a red bulb for my ride......194 wedge type bulb.....mmmm....mmmmmm
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 19, 2014, 11:17:14 AM
now you have me wanting to go and look for a red bulb for my ride......194 wedge type bulb.....mmmm....mmmmmm
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/JSI0/194R/N0383.oap?ck=Search_N0383_-1_1468&pt=N0383&ppt=C0335
Check Canadian Tire out later this week.....
Ratman your speedo all lit up red would look cool ;)
Milky see what you started now my buddy has to tear his speedo apart after getting everything nice and clean and buttoned up :)
Quote from: Drift1 on March 19, 2014, 16:54:00 PM
Ratman your speedo all lit up red would look cool ;)
Milky see what you started now my buddy has to tear his speedo apart after getting everything nice and clean and buttoned up :)
Yeah.. Bad habit.. a random idea comes to mind.. and i run with it. Mines a stock speedo (to poor for another one) But think with the paint on the bike.. something different is in order, besides.. it's a cheap mod.
Milky mine is also stock, so I think red would be cool so going to have to check this out......
D1 it is not all buttoned up yet we have at least 4 more weeks before we can even think of riding......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 19, 2014, 17:51:47 PM
Milky mine is also stock, so I think red would be cool so going to have to check this out......
D1 it is not all buttoned up yet we have at least 4 more weeks before we can even think of riding......
Very true indeed ratman . Mine is almost all put back together , at least the bulk of it .
Milky I would have to say the majority of our speedo housings are stock . I say majority because I'm sure somewhere out there some body has done a mod , but honestly I've never seen it ? Now my mind is spinning , has anyone seen something different ?
What color is the dial? My 1500 is white with red backlight
Difference between the 1500 and 800 speedo, mine is black with white numbers, and pictures they are the same for the 800's.
Quote from: Troll on March 19, 2014, 18:57:18 PM
What color is the dial? My 1500 is white with red backlight
I love the white with red numbers, I wonder if you can retro fit a 1500 speedo on the 800 (something turning for later down the road) but yes.. red backlight with stock speedo will look killer i think I was gonna go red or blue.. Red is just easier and don't have to order.
The J model speedo is white, but has a fuel gauge. The R model is white, and has even more electronics. Looks like you guys might just be stuck with a black face speedo.
Quote from: Troll on March 19, 2014, 19:40:59 PM
The J model speedo is white, but has a fuel gauge. The R model is white, and has even more electronics. Looks like you guys might just be stuck with a black face speedo.
Meh there is always a way.. just a matter of time and $$$ lol... Which i am short on both atm. (No speedo change tonight) More then likely going to have to wait till the weekend once more when i get time away from work. Unless someone beats me to it.. lol
Now, you've got me thinking of changing my 800 to red backlight... I love the white-face red-backlight of my 1500. That was almost a deciding factor on which one to buy when I was looking for my first Drifter!! But, price and availability at the time won out.
Quote from: greenbarn on March 19, 2014, 21:14:51 PM
Now, you've got me thinking of changing my 800 to red backlight... I love the white-face red-backlight of my 1500. That was almost a deciding factor on which one to buy when I was looking for my first Drifter!! But, price and availability at the time won out.
Oh GB it's happening, probably this weekend. (get off work at 7 next two nights.. don't get home till 8, so late to be tinkering. There will be pics when it happens.. Oh yes.. there will. I was thinking of doing blue later down the line (red is just more accessible and no wait for delivery) If anyone beats me to the chase.. Post up pics! (shocked no one has come up with this crazy idea previously)
See, if you owned an'02 1500, red is what they have... :D
49, my 01 1500 is red too.
I got what was available in my budget and area so i'm happy with my 800 for now.
Ride with pride, (what a cliche) just havin' fun wit' ya. ;) I put all red dash lights in a Jeep I used to have...it was red, so....
So got this apart to attempt this evening.. Bulbs are not 194's as previously thought, They are closer to 74's (local part store part number) So for now just back to stock white. Going to see what i can find on the interwebs in that size and LED. Will post results soon. (74's work great tested before reassmbly) Just ordered red dome type LED 74 replacement bulbs off amazon.. If everything works will link/add pics once they arrive.
ok went to Car Quest to look for the bulbs, they can order me a set of them, only come in sets, and can order them in red......only issue I have is the cost....$12.95 per set......
I ordered some off Amazon.. Think they were about 12 bucks. Wasn't going to post up till i have them in and tested tho. Don't want someone else wasting the cash after i do... Just had to order a new turn signal too.. 3 wire's are a PITA to find and not cost an arm and a leg!!!!!
found these this morning at Canadian Tire, and they were a whopping $4.99 for 2 of them.....they fit, they work, only they are orange so need to see them in the dark and see how they look then.......
Nice! I thought 24's would work too.. 74 is another part alternative (and what i ordered for mine as well) can't wait to see how they look.. Orange is still better then stock.. something different. Should see my LED's Weds if all goes well.. So i'll have pics that evening.
Listen, when we finally get an answer to what actually works, let me know so I can post in the mods/tips archive!!
The "NA" bulbs are "natural amber". I suspect they will be considerably lighter that what you would call orange. Still might be what you want, but I think they'll be closer to yellow than red...
Quote from: chief on March 22, 2014, 12:32:12 PM
Listen, when we finally get an answer to what actually works, let me know so I can post in the mods/tips archive!!
Will do. I know for a fact 74's work (Just white bulbs) 24's will work as well, same volt/post size. Just finding the right color is whats proving to be a serious PITA! lol
Well today I learned that NA is natural amber and it is not as bright as the white and so makes it kind of nice, would like to find red in the $4.99 price range, $12.99 for a set of bulbs just seems too much right now.....
I would count that an improvement.
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 22, 2014, 20:42:38 PM
Well today I learned that NA is natural amber and it is not as bright as the white and so makes it kind of nice, would like to find red in the $4.99 price range, $12.99 for a set of bulbs just seems too much right now.....
Nice subtle change if you ask me. Should have my reds in about another 2 days if all goes well. Yeah.. 12.99 is high for bulbs.. but the LED's will last longer and should be a bit brighter. Mine were just under 12 after everything was done. provided they work. But those 24 NA's def look better!
I have one more source to check for the red ones, do that in the morning.
And like everything else I ordered through Amazon.ca it can not be shipped to my address, for some strange reason. Anything to do with my bike cannot be shipped to my address, cannot figure that one out. Anyway so going to check and let you know.
Ok, all this discussion has us crazy to participate. It started with wanting to clean the inside of the speedo glass on both Blue and Princess, but as usual the process has morphed...never ask a trucker to get involved with lighting lol.
Will post again when we're done!
-The Bride
Quote from: 2beers on March 23, 2014, 11:40:51 AM
Ok, all this discussion has us crazy to participate. It started with wanting to clean the inside of the speedo glass on both Blue and Princess, but as usual the process has morphed...never ask a trucker to get involved with lighting lol.
Will post again when we're done!
-The Bride
Looks killer so far.. And sorry!!!! It was just a hair brained idea that came to mind while riding home from work.. didn't think it would spawn into this madness hahahaha.. Anxious to get my bulbs in so i can finally complete mine.
Quotenever ask a trucker
highly resemble that remark...........if you have it a Trucker probably brought it to you....so there.......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 23, 2014, 13:25:36 PM
highly resemble that remark...........if you have it a Trucker probably brought it to you....so there.......
Lol, the hubby has some trucking/lighting experience here...and the blue nano led's he's working with are manufactured in your country. And we known they got here by truck!
The Bride
The lights look good.
2beers and/or bride, and/or Ratman, and/or anybody else- have you figured out how to get the 800's speedo apart to where you can clean the inside of the lense? I had my instrument cluster apart about a year ago, and from what I remember it looked like you would have to cut the chrome ring to get it off the speedo, in order to get to the inside of the lense. Anybody find a shortcut? Mine has dirt/smudges/haze inside it that I'd like to clean out.
Ratman: sometimes on Amazon, I'll order something that it will say "cannot be delivered to that address", if I put in a different address (home vs shop, or street address vs. PO box, or something) then it goes through. In either case, if you can't get it shipped to you , send it here- I'll drop it in an envelope and send it to your place... I'll have to probably try it out first, so don't get in a hurry ;D
GB, 2beers gently and with painstaking patience, pried the chrome ring from the back of the speedo housing. He used a small flat blade screwdriver. It was a PITA. It will never look the same again, and no one will ever see it lol. To make sure it had some weather seal capability after reassembly, he employed plumbers putty. Silicone would have been too permanent.
I'm waiting to see if his led install works out well before I clean Princess' lens, I may want amber LEDs !
Bride
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 23, 2014, 10:22:53 AMAnd like everything else I ordered through Amazon.ca it can not be shipped to my address, for some strange reason. Anything to do with my bike cannot be shipped to my address, cannot figure that one out. Anyway so going to check and let you know.
That's because FedEx doesn't use dog sleds! ;) (Or polar expeditions!)
Quote from: 2beers on March 23, 2014, 14:59:16 PM
GB, 2beers gently and with painstaking patience, pried the chrome ring from the back of the speedo housing. He used a small flat blade screwdriver. It was a PITA. It will never look the same again, and no one will ever see it lol. To make sure it had some weather seal capability after reassembly, he employed plumbers putty. Silicone would have been too permanent.
I'm waiting to see if his led install works out well before I clean Princess' lens, I may want amber LEDs !
Bride
I was going to do Blue.. but seeing how bright those are... I'm glad i went red now hahaha.. I may go amber or another color instead.. just gotta wait for the goods to arrive.
Quote from: 2beers on March 23, 2014, 14:59:16 PM
GB, 2beers gently and with painstaking patience, pried the chrome ring from the back of the speedo housing. He used a small flat blade screwdriver. It was a PITA. It will never look the same again, and no one will ever see it lol. To make sure it had some weather seal capability after reassembly, he employed plumbers putty. Silicone would have been too permanent.
Bride
I thought about that, too, but didn't want to ruin it. The other method I saw was to cut a slit with a dremel/ cutter wheel, but same concern there. If you cut it you have to figure a way to clamp it back on. I think your method is probably better.
The results. Blue has a ring of Nanoflex blue LED's and a nice clean lens on her speedometer, and Princess has a NA Amber bulb replaciement, still with a smudgy lens lol. Opening the back of one speedometer housing was enough for today, and i'll wait to see if we can find the Nanoflex in amber before we go through that again. Thanks for the NA pic, Ratman! That inspired me :)
OP, Looking forward to seeing pics of the Red when its complete!
the Bride
They look good. Tell hubby he needs to get some more miles on Blue to catch up to you!
Looking good!!!! That blue is just too bright! Think 1 or 2 blue LED's would fit the bill nicely. Natural Amber is a very subtle change. Think that's another good alternative lighting.. Just for something different and doesn't hinder the ability to read gauge. What a difference a little bulb can make.
Quote from: greenbarn on March 23, 2014, 17:06:14 PM
They look good. Tell hubby he needs to get some more miles on Blue to catch up to you!
Ha ha....In reality, he's put more miles on Blue than I've put on Princess since we got them. I found that I'm more rusty at riding than I want to admit (gee, those 28 years since I had a bike went by fast). I took time off this coming week so that I can attend a local refresher/beginner's course, gotta fix this issue...weather's getting nice down here!
Quote from: 2beers on March 23, 2014, 17:52:03 PM
Ha ha....In reality, he's put more miles on Blue than I've put on Princess since we got them. I found that I'm more rusty at riding than I want to admit (gee, those 28 years since I had a bike went by fast). I took time off this coming week so that I can attend a local refresher/beginner's course, gotta fix this issue...weather's getting nice down here!
It's nice outside right now! (I live over in the pan handle) and Nothing wrong with refresher course, have my wife taking it weds/thurs this week as a matter of fact. Nice looking rides you guys got tho =0)
Quote from: Milky1112 on March 23, 2014, 18:02:47 PM
It's nice outside right now! (I live over in the pan handle) and Nothing wrong with refresher course, have my wife taking it weds/thurs this week as a matter of fact. Nice looking rides you guys got tho =0)
Thanks for the compliment! Tell your bride to enjoy the course...we'll both be in 'school' at the same time :)
GB never thought to go that far into the speedo. I have an issue with my igniter, in that I have only one bulb working in the speedo. I have traced the no power all the way to the igniter. So stopped there and will just live with it for now.
I have tried my neighbours address and even an APO and same results, I would use your address but they want payment before they send it. So I'll need your credit card number.
2beers bride, we need a name for her now or something......but I am going to go with the NA bulb and if and when I find a red one I'll try it.
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 23, 2014, 19:30:52 PM
GB never thought to go that far into the speedo. I have an issue with my igniter, in that I have only one bulb working in the speedo. I have traced the no power all the way to the igniter. So stopped there and will just live with it for now.
I have tried my neighbours address and even an APO and same results, I would use your address but they want payment before they send it. So I'll need your credit card number.
2beers bride, we need a name for her now or something......but I am going to go with the NA bulb and if and when I find a red one I'll try it.
It's xxxx xxxx xxxx 5439. Let me know when to expect it. ;)
::) amazing what you can send by mail if you really want to ........
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 23, 2014, 19:30:52 PM
2beers bride, we need a name for her now or something......
I've been called a lot of things, lol...
The Bride
I've got an idea... Let's call her "2beers bride"
or "The Bride of 2beers"......lol
ok Official today, I went to all auto parts store, or stores that carry auto "stuff" wedge type bulbs type 194, 74, 24 I can get in amber or clear, nothing else, unless I order a box of 24 and the shipping is $10.00, so I'll stick to amber for now.
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 24, 2014, 11:17:12 AM
ok Official today, I went to all auto parts store, or stores that carry auto "stuff" wedge type bulbs type 194, 74, 24 I can get in amber or clear, nothing else, unless I order a box of 24 and the shipping is $10.00, so I'll stick to amber for now.
Ouch! Still waiting on amazon to deliver mine... I will check and see if it's possible to order some down here for under that.. if so.. can work something out.
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 23, 2014, 19:30:52 PM
I have traced the no power all the way to the igniter. So stopped there and will just live with it for now.
Ratman, the NA pic is of just one bulb replaced, the one at the top of the housing. The other one looked like it illuminated the high beam indicator, so i left it alone. The neutral light LED seems to be encased beyond where even 2beers delved into. Does your '99 have 2 bulbs that light the gauge face?
The Bride
(https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F7BCryXx.jpg&hash=956aba6bc5d3f9bbfd604c83a5b0b65912eac607)
So here she is.. RED LED!!!!! Found that my lower socket is bad... So have to replace that one.. But have atleast 1 light working for the time being. These are 74 dome type LED bulbs. Here's the Amazon link where I ordered them http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AR1JXNM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Once i get socket done.. I'll post another pic of the whole thing. Funny part is... I get mine done... Show the wife.. next words out of her mouth.. "I want mine to be blue"..... (Sorry for crappy pic, phones don' t like the dark.. and my fat hand is covering neutral light.)
Milky, same note to you as I just typed to Ratman. I thought the lower light was the high beam indicator. I'll go check the wiring diagram that Ratman so kindly forwarded...
And the red light looks great! Btw, If your wife wants blue, then she shall have blue :).
The Bride
Quote from: 2beers on March 24, 2014, 19:58:55 PM
Milky, same note to you as I just typed to Ratman. I thought the lower light was the high beam indicator. I'll go check the wiring diagram that Ratman so kindly forwarded...
I have a standard bulb in there currently, problem i have now tho.. NO Bulb is working in there.., Just tested that theory... I cranked bike (knowing i have 1 bulb out) tossed brights on.. She lit up.. If you look at http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/2002-kawasaki-vulcan-800-drifter-vn800e/o/m149359?a=11#sch290033, You'll see a "bar" between the two standard bulbs, that should house the 2 LED's for neutral and high beams. The lower bulb is for trip odo and right half of Speedometer it seems.
Here's pic... High beam werks (https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FS2xcdUU.jpg&hash=62d89402502d3c65851d250abbd29a9afc2833ee) still no right/lower speedo
Aah, ha...looks like i read that one wrong, sorry guys! Wonder if my lower bulb works? I may open it up again tomorrow and put the other NA in...
The Bride
ok 2200 hrs. right now so too late to worry about lights tonight. But both my hi beam and neutral lite have been working but the 92069B is not working. Will check everything again in the morning.....
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 24, 2014, 22:00:45 PM
ok 2200 hrs. right now so too late to worry about lights tonight. But both my hi beam and neutral lite have been working but the 92069B is not working. Will check everything again in the morning.....
Seems all of us have killed our lower bulbs somehow... Which doesn't make sense. lol.. Fuse maybe?
Well, guys, I feel like I'm beating a dead horse, but here's a pic of the back of Blue's 2000 speedometer. I held it up to the sunlight so you can see the enclosed tube that leads from the lower speedometer light...to the blue lens of the high beam. So, our gauges only have one instrumentation light, the one at the top. Hope this helps!
Btw, 2beers has his speedometer apart again this morning because, as has been mentioned here, the blue is just too darn bright...it's also the wrong hue of blue for Blue lol. He's wavering between red and amber right now, LED or regular bulb. The big truck has a supply of all of the aforementioned, yes it's a trucker thing...
Quote from: 2beers on March 25, 2014, 09:18:57 AM
Well, guys, I feel like I'm beating a dead horse, but here's a pic of the back of Blue's 2000 speedometer. I held it up to the sunlight so you can see the enclosed tube that leads from the lower speedometer light...to the blue lens of the high beam. So, our gauges only have one instrumentation light, the one at the top. Hope this helps!
Btw, 2beers has his speedometer apart again this morning because, as has been mentioned here, the blue is just too darn bright...it's also the wrong hue of blue for Blue lol. He's wavering between red and amber right now, LED or regular bulb. The big truck has a supply of all of the aforementioned, yes it's a trucker thing...
Going to have to pull mine apart.. if that was the case.. then my lower speedo light should work cause i have no illumination on the right half of the speedo. (as you can see from picture) The Neutral and High beam work normally... makes as much sense as having a peeing section in the pool. so alas.. Will rip her apart tonight.. yank out bulb.. fire it up and test once more. Just wanna know why other light isn't working.
Quote from: Milky1112 on March 25, 2014, 09:24:59 AM
Going to have to pull mine apart.. if that was the case.. then my lower speedo light should work cause i have no illumination on the right half of the speedo. (as you can see from picture) The Neutral and High beam work normally... makes as much sense as having a peeing section in the pool. so alas.. Will rip her apart tonight.. yank out bulb.. fire it up and test once more. Just wanna know why other light isn't working.
If our speedo housings are the same as yours, then you'll be able to see what we're looking at this morning. If it's a different plastic housing, then maybe your high beam works differently?? They look to have the same part number...
Ick, I don't think I want to swim in that pool, btw!
2beers is finding out now that the regular bulb casts a larger glow in the gauge than the LED bulb. The LED is brighter where it's illuminating the top of the gauge, but its not reaching further down as well as the regular bulb. We'll let you know...
--The Bride
Quote from: 2beers on March 25, 2014, 09:43:26 AM
If our speedo housings are the same as yours, then you'll be able to see what we're looking at this morning. If it's a different plastic housing, then maybe your high beam works differently?? They look to have the same part number...
Ick, I don't think I want to swim in that pool, btw!
2beers is finding out now that the regular bulb casts a larger glow in the gauge than the LED bulb. The LED is brighter where it's illuminating the top of the gauge, but its not reaching further down as well as the regular bulb. We'll let you know...
--The Bride
Big question is.. If you look at the IPB i posted from bike bandit... between the two standard bulb P/N's there is that "Board" we shall call it.. which looks to house bulbs.. Guessing by the other two wires that drift into that hole in speedo (atleast on mine) that could house the LED's for the Neutral and Bright?
I can't get the trip reset knob off mine.. Can't see screw inside nothing.. so i can't detatch the speedo completely to mess with it..
Keep us posted. Work is in the way of experimenting hahaha.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/led-vehicle-replacement-bulbs/24-led-bulb-1-smd-led-wedge-base/229/ Is another option i might try as well...
I believe this is the final decision by 2beers for Blue. He wound up using a red LED bulb that he had laying around in the truck parts section, lol. It is the type that has LED pads around the circumference as well as on the top of the bulb. And it's just a tad larger, the top hole for the bulb has been routed out slightly to accommodate it. Fabrication Nation stuff always occurs with 2beers...make it fit!
Quote from: 2beers on March 25, 2014, 10:03:13 AM
I believe this is the final decision by 2beers for Blue. He wound up using a red LED bulb that he had laying around in the truck parts section, lol. It is the type that has LED pads around the circumference as well as on the top of the bulb. And it's just a tad larger, the top hole for the bulb has been routed out slightly to accommodate it. Fabrication Nation stuff always occurs with 2beers...make it fit!
That's the look i'm going for. What bulbs did he use.. and does he have any to spare? lol Now i gotta find Blue LED's for teh wife's Shadow.. she saw mine and made her request.. lol
YES by all means 2bb (2beers bride) let us know where we can purchase said bulbs, and I can move on with this.....would look awesome on my red bike.......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 25, 2014, 11:18:38 AM
YES by all means 2bb (2beers bride) let us know where we can purchase said bulbs, and I can move on with this.....would look awesome on my red bike.......
Where's a +1 button when you need it lol...
Quote from: Milky1112 on March 25, 2014, 09:47:59 AM
I can't get the trip reset knob off mine.. Can't see screw inside nothing.. so i can't detatch the speedo completely to mess with it..
Its a small phillips head screwdriver that you need. You cant see down in there, but you can find that small screw with the phillips. Blue had desert dust sealing it up (AZ dirt and spider eggs are still being found everywhere) but Its there.
Quote from: 2beers on March 25, 2014, 11:29:40 AM
Its a small phillips head screwdriver that you need. You cant see down in there, but you can find that small screw with the phillips. Blue had desert dust sealing it up (AZ dirt and spider eggs are still being found everywhere) but Its there.
I just manage to work around it lol.. still get to bulbs by taking screws out that mount speedo to frame.. Now back to our question.. Where can we aquire said bulbs?!?!
The bulb that 2beers decided on is a 194. Here's a couple of pics in case you want to follow this path. The bulbs were purchased for $12.99 for a pack of 2 at a chrome shop somewhere in the US at some point in the recent past... Sorry, Ratman, even if you wanted to do this mod, we don't have another red bulb in house. Milky, we do have a couple of the blue.
2beers wants to emphasize that he takes no responsibility for damages or insanity that may occur during the replication of this modification. Don't run with scissors. Adult supervision is required. Go with God.
When you hone out the hole for the original socket to accommodate the larger bulb, be careful. 2beers had a snow globe going on inside the speedo between the glass and the faceplate from the plastic shavings...
The 194 bulb also does not fit into the oem socket. 2beers soldered the bulb's pins onto wires that he spliced into the harness, bypassing the stock socket. Its a somewhat reversible mod this way.
Now do you know why Princess has a stock bulb, just a different color lol?
Regards, 2bb :)
Quote from: 2beers on March 25, 2014, 11:59:08 AM
The bulb that 2beers decided on is a 194. Here's a couple of pics in case you want to follow this path. The bulbs were purchased for $12.99 for a pack of 2 at a chrome shop somewhere in the US at some point in the recent past... Sorry, Ratman, even if you wanted to do this mod, we don't have another red bulb in house. Milky, we do have a couple of the blue.
2beers wants to emphasize that he takes no responsibility for damages or insanity that may occur during the replication of this modification. Don't run with scissors. Adult supervision is required. Go with God.
When you hone out the hole for the original socket to accommodate the larger bulb, be careful. 2beers had a snow globe going on inside the speedo between the glass and the faceplate from the plastic shavings...
The 194 bulb also does not fit into the oem socket. 2beers soldered the bulb's pins onto wires that he spliced into the harness, bypassing the stock socket. Its a somewhat reversible mod this way.
Now do you know why Princess has a stock bulb, just a different color lol?
Regards, 2bb :)
Makes sense.. what did you seal the back of the bulbs with? I can splice in bulbs.. i have some 194's at home and if you aren't useing the blue.... let me know =)
ok none electrical person that I am not wanting to go outside my comfort zone on this I'll stick to the amber bulb I have in place and check it out again tonight and see if that is the route I want to go.....
Quote from: Milky1112 on March 25, 2014, 12:12:33 PM
Makes sense.. what did you seal the back of the bulbs with? I can splice in bulbs.. i have some 194's at home and if you aren't useing the blue.... let me know =)
Rubber splicing tape for a tight fit, and clear silicone. Gee, would you like us to send a blue one down to FL? If you do, PM. ;)
--2bb (That's so much easier to type...)
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 25, 2014, 12:25:49 PM
ok none electrical person that I am not wanting to go outside my comfort zone on this I'll stick to the amber bulb I have in place
Ditto. If 2beers comes across a red replacement bulb in his travels, you'll be the first to know!
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 25, 2014, 12:25:49 PM
ok none electrical person that I am not wanting to go outside my comfort zone on this I'll stick to the amber bulb I have in place and check it out again tonight and see if that is the route I want to go.....
http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/miniature-wedge-base/74-led-bulb-3-smd-led-wide-angle-wedge-base/228/
Thinking of trying these Rat.. 74's are a direct plug in.. No wire soldering required. They do have 3 way SMD so would allow more light then what i currently have in my Dome type. Price is reasonable for a shot. 2b, What you think?
I'll have to see if i can find them around here, might have to try in Toronto.
Those 74's are worth a try, I would have if I had found one here!
Q: How many pages on the forum does it take to change a light bulb?
A: 4 (and counting).... ;D
This has gotten a bit confusing for me. Please check this summary for accuracy and somebody please correct if there are incorrect conclusions:
- There is only 1 illumination bulb in the 800 speedo - it's at the top.
- the light socket accepts a 74 wedge style bulb. a 24 will also fit.
- a 194 can be made to fit the "holder" but it must be modified (drilled out larger) and it won't fit the socket so the socket must be changed, or bulb soldered in.
- (obviously) a regular incandescent or a LED wedge replacement can be used
- some bulbs, namely some LEDs won't illuminate the lower part of the speedo face very well
- the 5-lite LED bulbs (with LED faces on all 4 sides) seem to do OK
-So far blue-LED has been found to be "very bright", amber- incand. is only slightly "redder) than a clear bulb, and a Red-5-face-LED is the crowd pleaser so far.
- the search is still on for a red incandes. bulb.
I'm just trying to make sure I understand it all.... Did I miss anything??
Quote from: greenbarn on March 25, 2014, 21:12:51 PM
-So far blue-LED has been found to be "very bright",
Great Cliff Notes, GB! The only thing I'll clarify is that the 'too bright' blue LED was a nanoflex strip that wrapped around the speedometer face. A single blue LED 360 degree bulb gave a subdued blue illumination, without the element of overkill that was present with the multi-light strip. :)
--2bb
Quote from: 2beers on March 26, 2014, 04:23:50 AM
Great Cliff Notes, GB! The only thing I'll clarify is that the 'too bright' blue LED was a nanoflex strip that wrapped around the speedometer face. A single blue LED 360 degree bulb gave a subdued blue illumination, without the element of overkill that was present with the multi-light strip. :)
--2bb
I agree GB, you have it summed up quite well.. I'm ordering a 3 panel SMD today to see if that will work. Think any 360 degree LED bulb should provide the illumination we are after. Sorry for all the confusion all around fellas, and thanks to everyone for getting this whole thing sorted out and helping out with the experiment. (5 pages now) hahaha.
ok ..here is my take now I am done....m additions in red......
QuoteThere is only 1 illumination bulb in the 800 speedo - it's at the top.
-bottom one only comes on with the high beam and when bike is running
- the light socket accepts a 74 wedge style bulb. a 24 will also fit.
- a 194 can be made to fit the "holder" but it must be modified (drilled out larger) and it won't fit the socket so the socket must be changed, or bulb soldered in.
- (obviously) a regular incandescent or a LED wedge replacement can be used
- some bulbs, namely some LEDs won't illuminate the lower part of the speedo face very well
- the 5-lite LED bulbs (with LED faces on all 4 sides) seem to do OK
-So far blue-LED has been found to be "very bright", amber- incand. is only slightly "redder) than a clear bulb, and a Red-5-face-LED is the crowd pleaser so far.
- the search is still on for a red incandes. bulb.
I'm just trying to make sure I understand it all.... Did I miss anything??
we might want to try for 6 pages now just for sh8ts and giggles.......
Knowledge grows from confusion....sometimes. BUT....Sometimes confusion is a self fulfilling prophecy.
Well Troll you helped top get me unconfused, and so thanks........
I thank all of you guys.. for listening to my hair brained idea.. making it happen.. and being a wealth of knowledge you folks are.. Glad to have found this place and the folks here.
Quote from: Milky1112 on March 26, 2014, 18:00:41 PM
I thank all of you guys.. for listening to my hair brained idea.. making it happen.. and being a wealth of knowledge you folks are.. Glad to have found this place and the folks here.
We're very happy with our gauge lights now, it's great that you got this ball rolling :)
2beers and his Bride (2bb)!
Page 6 should intell all the speedos lit up ;)
So see if this updated copy is now correct
Q: How many pages on the forum does it take to change a light bulb?
A: 5 - and soon to be 6.... ::)
- There is only 1 illumination bulb in the 800 speedo - it's at the top.
----The bottom one only comes on with the high beam and when bike is running
- the light socket accepts a 74 wedge style bulb. a 24 will also fit.
- a 194 can be made to fit, but the "holder" must be modified (drilled out larger) and it won't fit the socket so the socket must be changed, or bulb soldered in.
- (obviously) a regular incandescent wedge bulb or a LED wedge replacement can be used
- some bulbs, namely some LEDs won't illuminate the lower part of the speedo face very well
- the 5-lite LED bulbs (with LED faces on all 4 sides) seem to do OK
-------any 360 degree LED bulb should provide the illumination desired
-Colors so far:
-----Blue nanoflex strip wrapped around the speedometer face- this was found to be "very bright" - too bright for most tastes
-----A single blue LED 360 degree bulb gave a subdued blue illumination, without the element of overkill that was present with the multi-light strip
-----Amber incand. is only slightly "redder" than a clear bulb,
-----Red-5-face-LED is the crowd pleaser so far.
- the search is still on for a red incandescent bulb.
Looks good GB.. I should have my 3 SMD bulb monday.. will report findings.
So GreenBarn, when you place an order for the bulbs we need for your tire shop, please keep me in mind for a pair of them and I get seniors discount, vets discount, military discount, ok. Your such a nice guy to get these for us......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 28, 2014, 18:02:45 PM
So GreenBarn, when you place an order for the bulbs we need for your tire shop, please keep me in mind for a pair of them and I get seniors discount, vets discount, military discount, ok. Your such a nice guy to get these for us......
I was actually considering it... find what we need and send it to me, and I'll look into it. You would qualify for the Veteran's discount, the Military discount, the Santa discount, the old-folks discount, the Drifter Family discount, and the Canadian discount - so I'd have to be paying you to take them.....
ok that is fine with me I'll pm you my address and you can send me a pair of the red bulbs. Your a prince among men.
don't forget the part about figuring out what bulbs to order... ;D
ok.. here's what i ordered.. http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/miniature-wedge-base/74-led-bulb-3-smd-led-wide-angle-wedge-base/228/ That's for the 74 wedge based. (Multiple colors to choose from) below is the pic installed. (3 smd bulb) I will say it's perfect for what i wanted. Cost was minimal even with shipping (right at $6 for the one bulb)
(https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FwPWqaVR.jpg&hash=74b7b03e70ddb06b9c1544b746daae6f34b28c2c)
Here she is.. All lit up the way she should. So there's a decent source for good blubs (and a cheap price) again.. thank you all who have ventured to try this crazy idea.. for sorting out the insanity about the bulbs. GB, Ratman, 2beers and 2B Bride Thank you guys. (if i forgot anyone else I'm sorry) Think i might have to try blue too tho hahahahaha.. so many options!!!
Was looking at this and you know for 2 bulbs not a bad cost price, but then the shipping is a real turn off.....
USPS Shipping Methods
First Class Mail International
$12.80
Express Mail International
$40.25
UPS Shipping Methods
Ground Canada
$30.76
Worldwide Expedited
$48.23
Worldwide Saver
$52.54
I'll look around locally and see what I can find, if not then amber it will be
Milky it does look really good and thanks for the time on this project and the fun looking into it.....
got to suck that up I have a friend, ok sorry PC an acquaintance who has agreed to buy me a pair of them and she will get them to me with a few other items I have on order from her.........so by riding weather I'll have the red lights in mine....
that sucks man... Well atleast you got a size you know you can work with for sure. Blasted shipping cost! I could see it being that high across the pond but sheesh!
why not just wait 'till you get to Drift-In and bring them back with you????
Quote from: Troll on March 30, 2014, 20:08:34 PM
why not just wait 'till you get to Drift-In and bring them back with you????
I like Troll's thought train there.. lol..
Rat, don't forget to keep me posted on other things.
got to suck that up I have a friend, ok sorry PC an acquaintance who has agreed to buy me a pair of them and she will get them to me with a few other items I have on order from her.........so by riding weather I'll have the red lights in mine....
going to cost me $10.00 for the 2 bulbs and what she charges me for the other items I bought off her.......
thanks guys
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 30, 2014, 20:12:33 PM
got to suck that up I have a friend, ok sorry PC an acquaintance who has agreed to buy me a pair of them and she will get them to me with a few other items I have on order from her.........so by riding weather I'll have the red lights in mine....
going to cost me $10.00 for the 2 bulbs and what she charges me for the other items I bought off her.......
thanks guys
Hey can't complain. As long as your getting what you need my friend.. You know we all will help where/when we can. Cheers!
Quote from: Milky1112 on March 30, 2014, 19:33:37 PM
Here she is.. All lit up the way she should.
We both like it a lot :) Glad it turned out well for you, boy was it ever a trip to get here lol!
2beers and The Bride
Milky, that does look pretty good. I like it.
Q: for Milky or anybody: Does anybody now why the trip-odometer doesn't seem to be lit very much by the red LED, either Milky's pic or in 2beers previous pics? Ratman's stock white light and his amber are both slightly brighter. Is it just the function of the red light not being as bright, so the bottom-most part doesn't get lit quite as much?? Just wondering - no big deal, it looks great in red.
Quote from: greenbarn on March 30, 2014, 20:44:00 PM
Milky, that does look pretty good. I like it.
Q: for Milky or anybody: Does anybody now why the trip-odometer doesn't seem to be lit very much by the red LED, either Milky's pic or in 2beers previous pics? Ratman's stock white light and his amber are both slightly brighter. Is it just the function of the red light not being as bright, so the bottom-most part doesn't get lit quite as much?? Just wondering - no big deal, it looks great in red.
think it just is the way the standard bulb disperses the light.. 2Beers is using a 5 panel SMD and i'm using a 3 panel yielding much of the same results.. I'm curious how much more another color may light them up.. might end up ordering a blue and green just to test. I set the link up there so anyone can order the same since we know 100% for sure they work. and unless your Ratman.. shipping is not to bad. Overall i'm not too worried about seeing the trip counter.. I think it's enough to read it when needed for teh most part. Again.. i can't thank you all enough for traveling down this rabbit hole with me. Crazy idea? yes.. but MAN it changes everything!
Well like we did find out that the bottom bulb is only on when the high beam is on, so I need to see it with that hooked up and working.
I have found LED's are not as bright as most other types of bulbs.
For myself I am going to run the reds for now and if it proves to be not enough light then the amber will be tried.
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 30, 2014, 21:38:32 PM
For myself I am going to run the reds for now and if it proves to be not enough light then the amber will be tried.
This is where i agree, i will probably end up ordering Blue and Green... might even order white.. White would possibly light the whole gauge (trip counter included) to the desired effect being on the higher end of the light spectrum. I didn't expect red to be overly bright but achieve what i was looking for overall. Once i do order, test... Of course pictures will follow.
ok so this morning the Mail lady dropped off a parcel from NM and my friend has forwarded the lights to me......over kill on the box that the company used....lol.....so tonight after supper when it is dark up there I'll take a bunch of pictures for this thread to show the difference if it is noticeable.
ok now it is 2115 and I cann ot get these LED's to work in my speedo, but my amber ones are fine........so not sure.......
ok sorry fat fingers and guess they have to be lined up just right to work........
first pictures are the NA on low then on high beam....and thanks Troll for solving that mystery for all of us 800 riders......
third and fourth pics are the LED reds with the low then the high beam on.......
perhaps I should have used a tripod to keep it clear........going to go with the reds for now and if they prove not right then I'll have the NA in my tool pack for replacement.
Looks good Ratman. So you like it?
QuoteSo you like it?
sitting on the bike in the living room on the jack and making vroom vroom noises, it is pretty cool. Now to wait till I can get it outside and go for a night ride......lol....hope to have it out and in the shed by the weekend and perhaps end of the month actually start to ride.
Quote from: CDNRatMan on April 14, 2014, 21:07:05 PM
sitting on the bike in the living room on the jack and making vroom vroom noises, it is pretty cool. Now to wait till I can get it outside and go for a night ride......lol....hope to have it out and in the shed by the weekend and perhaps end of the month actually start to ride.
The only one i didn't change is my high beam.. considering it now.. i might actually order a blue to see how it looks just cause.. Finally got to ride it at dusk this morning on the way to work.. and i tell ya.. i LOVE how it looks compared to stock. Glad you finally got them Ratman, 74's are just perfect and Superbright has a great price on them too.
Think this is an easy mod and it does make a big difference to change the outlook of the bike......with the colour choices you can really personalize a ride for both colour and preference.
are there any other colors other than red? That's all I can think of! ;D
Green, red, blue, cool white, amber
Quote from: CDNRatMan on April 17, 2014, 20:19:29 PM
Green, red, blue, cool white, amber
Green, red, blue, cool white, amber
but on 2beers blue bike a blue light might be the ticket,
on MADUCE a green lite might be the ticket,
so for you red might be the answer....lol.....
yeah, you're right. Do they have an army-drab color LED for Ma Deuce?
sorry just green
hmmmm now maybe if you put a light coat of satin clear-cote over the green bulb....
I'm half tempted to order Blue and Green to see what they look like... White well.. no one wants white! lol...
Quote from: greenbarn on April 17, 2014, 20:53:00 PM
hmmmm now maybe if you put a light coat of satin clear-cote over the green bulb....
OK now you have my attention ..... ;D ...Just might have to add this to the winter list 2015
Ratman that looks pretty cool . Bet it looks great against the black speedo housing , how about a picture of that to show GB . He'll really be drooling over that :D
Quote from: Drift1 on April 22, 2014, 05:16:46 AM
OK now you have my attention ..... ;D ...Just might have to add this to the winter list 2015
Ratman that looks pretty cool . Bet it looks great against the black speedo housing , how about a picture of that to show GB . He'll really be drooling over that :D
Now if someone would just find a cheap/easy way to give it a white face, I'd really be drooling!!
ok my next challenge is to replace the face with a white one and making it easy and inexpensive. Time to start the mind working on this one....
You could always replace the original with one from a 1500J...hopefully with similar mileage. You'd get a fuel gauge that doesn't work, though.....
Quote from: Troll on April 22, 2014, 11:40:40 AM
You could always replace the original with one from a 1500J...hopefully with similar mileage. You'd get a fuel gauge that doesn't work, though.....
Now that's easy enough ;) Thanks for your expertize on this Troll . I as I'm sure others didn't know this info .
GB and Ratman .... and no I'm not taking the one of mine , before you guys start thinking out loud ....LOL
oh would never ask you to desecrate your new ride, I will find what I am after and I am sure I can use the fuel gauge for something......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on April 22, 2014, 20:41:18 PM
oh would never ask you to desecrate your new ride, I will find what I am after and I am sure I can use the fuel gauge for something......
inop fuel gauge would eventually start driving me crazy... which would start the gears turning on making it functional on the 800...... Let the games begin!
Does the fuel gauge need to show the amount of fuel? Can we not use it for some other use? Makes one think.....